Julie Lopiccolo & the emotional Jasper Ray Foundation story - Peeling Back the Layers Artwork

A Circle in a Square

A Circle in a Square is a podcast about following your dreams and noticing how we're all connected. I live in the heart of a big small town called Orange. Its historic downtown is known as Old Towne and at the juicy center of this one square mile, you'll find a circle, right there within a square. Once upon a time, it was a mere square where people gathered known as the Plaza, but then a traffic circle was built and the debate between whether it's The Circle or it's The Plaza was born. I write about this place because it's been reborn over the last 10 years and there's a lot to say about the sense of community one square mile can bring about. But something about living in a big, small town and being connected with my community inspires me. Getting to know my neighbors, our small business owners and the people that make places so special sparks a curiosity in me to know more, to be more aware and to just talk to other people. This people connection is what drives me and if people and their stories drive you, then settle in with me as I dive into these stories that make places that curate moments that inspire.

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A Circle in a Square

Julie Lopiccolo & the emotional Jasper Ray Foundation story - Peeling Back the Layers

June 02, 2020 • Kelly Borgen • Season 2 • Episode 6

On an emotional and inspiring segment of Peeling Back the Layers, Julie Lopiccolo joins Kelly on the podcast. Julie is the Founder of the Jasper Ray Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and prevention of drowning and child safety. Many do not know that drowning is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5.

To share a part of the emotional story, I thought I would put it in Julie's words. From the website, she shares, “Our babysitter, who was with Jasper one day a week, took him from his safe home to her home where there was an ungated pool. She left him alone for only minutes and later found him face down in that pool. He spent nearly a week in the hospital fighting for his life, but lost that battle. Our lives have been forever altered by Jasper, his laugh was the greatest sound to our ears, his kisses and hugs like heaven on earth. We did not know the bounds of love until he came into our lives and we will miss every single day on this earth without him.”

Because of this, Julie has dedicated her life to ensuring that no parent has to go through this tragedy ever again. She wanted to manifest her pain into something positive, and strives to bring people the education needed to make their homes toddler-safe. In this episode, Kelly and Julie discuss Jasper’s story, when to start your children in swim lessons, and Julie’s top tips for water safety. To learn more about the Jasper Ray Foundation, Julie’s mission, and how to keep your children safe around water, check out the links below. We want to thank Julie for being so selfless and sharing her story with us on the podcast. Have a good week everyone!

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Learn more about the Jasper Ray Foundation and Julie:

Website: http://www.jasperray.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasperrayfoundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jasperrayfoundationfordrowningprevention/’

Donate: http://www.jasperray.org/donate-2/

More resources:

Blue Buoy Swim School: https://bluebuoy.com/

Orange Regional Competitive Aquatics: https://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=caorca

Aqua Tots: https://www.aqua-tots.com/orange/

Swim Safe: http://swimsafeswimschool.info/

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